PCM modules/packs/PCM arrangements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular air conditioning systems are inefficient in energy usage and require powered components, limiting their flexibility and compatibility with existing air flow systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular air conditioning system utilizing phase change material (PCM) modules with thermally insulated housing and channels for fluid flow, incorporating flow regulating valves and thermal conductors, allowing for compact and efficient cooling without powered components, and enabling retrofitting to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If modular air conditioning systems use powered components, then cooling performance can be maintained, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses natural convection currents to drive fluid circulation through the PCM modules without requiring powered pumps or fans. The density differences created by temperature variations in the PCM packs automatically generate flow, allowing the system to maintain cooling performance while eliminating energy-consuming components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pumping systems with thermal convection mechanisms. Instead of using powered components to move the fluid, the system relies on natural buoyancy-driven flow patterns that arise from temperature differences, substituting mechanical action with thermal physics.
2Volume of moving object
If PCM packs are placed close together, then system compactness improves, but fluid flow channels become restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional planar arrangements to three-dimensional stacked configurations of PCM packs. By utilizing vertical stacking with channels extending in multiple spatial dimensions, the design achieves high compactness while maintaining adequate flow paths through the use of transverse baffles that guide fluid movement in complex three-dimensional patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCM packs are arranged in nested or interlocking configurations where fluid channels are integrated within the structure of the packs themselves. The transverse baffles are embedded within the pack assemblies, creating a compact nested structure that maximizes space utilization while preserving flow channels.
3Ease of operation
If flow regulating valves are added to inlet/outlet, then flow control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs passive flow regulation mechanisms that automatically adjust fluid flow based on temperature and pressure differentials without requiring active control valves or sensors. The natural convection patterns and pressure gradients self-regulate the flow rates, eliminating the need for additional control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls flow by changing physical parameters such as temperature differentials and pressure gradients rather than using mechanical valves. By adjusting the thermal conditions and allowing natural convection to respond, the system achieves flow regulation without adding complex mechanical control devices.
4Reliability
If thermal conductors are added to PCM packs, then heat transfer effectiveness improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCM packs incorporate porous thermal conductor structures that provide extensive surface area for heat transfer while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process. The porous material can be directly formed or inserted into the pack structure, avoiding complex assembly steps while achieving effective thermal coupling between PCM packs and fluid channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite structures combining PCM material with thermal conductor elements in a integrated manner. The composite design allows both materials to be manufactured together or easily assembled, improving heat transfer while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward through the use of compatible materials and simple joining methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves improved energy usage effectiveness, compactness, and flexibility by using PCM modules with integrated thermal conductors and flow regulation, enhancing cooling efficiency and compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transportable cooling modules, each cooling module comprising phase change material
Implementation Method 2
phase change material in a thermally insulated housing with spaces between the PCM forming channels
Implementation Method 3
a housing for thermally insulating said number of PCM packs from a module's surrounding medium
Implementation Method 4
said PCM packs are separated by one or more thermal conductors extending transversely and forming said channels
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
Figure 9A~12
AI summary
A transportable PCM (phase change material) module comprises a number of PCM packs; a housing for thermally insulting said number of PCM packs from a module's surrounding medium; spaces separating said packs and forming one or more channels for the flow of a fluid; said housing incorporating a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; whereby, in use, fluid flows through said channels from said inlet to said outlet. A PCM (phase change material) pack comprises a laminate of a first conducting panel and a second conducting panel enclosing a portion formed primarily of PCM; wherein said portion of PCM incorporates thermal conductors.